Thaiways : Bicycle Tours



Among many ways of sightseeing, cycling in or around beautiful attractions is sure to give you a double bonus -- pleasure and physical strength. It has become very popular recently with the public. Thaiways is proud to present to you 4 bicycling programmes -- 3 in Bangkok and 1 in Samut Prakan which will not only give you fascinating insights into Thai people's way of living but also allow you to exercise. The following is a brief information of the events. The first two are arranged by the Bangkok Tourist Bureau while the other two can be done by yourself.

Thon Buri Si Mahasamut, Bangkok
Thon Buri here doesn't mean only Thon Buri district but particularly refers to the part of Bangkok on the west of the Chao Phraya River.Thon Buri had a significant role in Thai history. It was established as the new capital after King Taksin (1767-1782) won Siam (former name of Thailand) back from the Burmese and found that the old capital Ayutthaya had been utterly devastated. Many important buildings of this period, especially temples, are situated in this area.

	This photo by courtesy of TAT

If you love the life by the river and beautiful architecture, Thonburi Si Mahasamut Bicycling route will not disappoint you. After gathering at the Bangkok Tourist Bureau located at the eastern foot of Pin Klao Bridge (near Sanam Luang ground), the programme starts by crossing the Chao Phraya River at Tha Phrachan pier (also near Sanam Luang) to the Bangkok Noi Railway Station.



Take a train to Sala Thammasop Railway Station and start biking. While riding your bike along Khlong (canal) Maha Sawat and Khlong Tawi Wattana, you will be fascinated by the views and the people's lifestyles. Then appreciate the graceful charm of Utthayan Road connecting Phuttha Monthon III and IV Roads (total distance 3,861 metres).


Canalside lifestyle

It is the most beautiful road consuming the highest cost of construction in proportion to its length. Graceful hansa (or a mythical bird)-lamp posts line both sides numbering 979. Picnic-lovers will find the place adorable as trees stretching their branches to give shade for every passer-by, especially in the evening. On the return trip of this route, you will pass Taling Chan Floating Market, where you can enjoy shopping and eating. In addition, a visit to Suwannaram Temple is included in the trip, too. It is an old and important monastery built in the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767 A.D.). In the reign of King Taksin (1767-1782), the place was used as an execution ground for Burmese prisoners of war. Afterwards, in the first reign of the Rattanakosin period, the temple was renovated.


Suwannaram Temple

What's amazing here is the mural paintings in the ordination hall by Khru Thong Yoo and Khru Khong Pae, talented artists of Rama III's reign.


Bangkok Noi Railway Station

The Bangkok Noi Railway Station, the starting point is the last place of the programme before coming back to the Bangkok Tourist Bureau around 4:30 p.m. Then the trip is over, certainly before you get too exhausted.


Utthayan Road

Fee: 650 baht/person (Price includes the use of a bicycle, a guide, breakfast, lunch, snack, beverage and insurance.) A 100 baht discount is offered to those who use their private bikes. Time: 1st Sunday of the month, 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information: Please contact Bangkok Tourist Bureau. Tel: 0 2225 7612-4

Bicycle Around Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok
Rattanakosin Island is the area of historical heart of Bangkok. And the bicycling route around this vicinity starts around 7:00 p.m. from the Bangkok Tourist Bureau and passes many places well known to foreign visitors. Rattanakosin Island scenery after dark has its unique characteristics.

	The reclining Buddha image of Wat Pho

Everything illuminated by lights reflects the spell of the night. Background history of each place is described in brief as follows: Sanam Luang (Phra Mane Ground), in the old days, was a place for royal cremations. Later, King Rama IV (1851-1868) used this ground to perform the royal ploughing ceremony.


Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing

He gave it the name "Sanam Luang" to replace the old one "Thung Phra Mane" and it has been known as such since then. Wat Pho houses the largest reclining Buddha image in Bangkok
Top

Maha Chesadabodin Pavilion & Plaza
is used to receive visitors of state.
On the background is Wat Ratcha Natdaram.

On the full soles of this image, there are 108 auspicious symbols of a Buddha, which were inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Wat Suthat, whose ordination hall is the longest in this country and has beautiful mural paintings, will make you amazed. The doors of the main wihan were designed and initially carved by Rama II (1809-1824). The Giant Swing in front of the monastery was used in the Brahmanic Swinging Ceremony which was held to celebrate the new year, to propitiate Brahmanic gods and to ask for their blessings. But today this swinging ceremony is no longer conducted. Then you'll pass Loha Prasat of Wat Ratcha Natdaram. Relics of the Buddha are enshrined in the little pavilion on the top. The programme takes about two and a half hours. Assuredly, it will make a strong impression on you.

Fee: 290 baht/person (Price includes the use of a bicycle, a guide, a guidebook, snack, beverage and insurance.)

140 baht for those using their own bicycles.
Time: Every Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
More information: Please contact Bangkok Tourist Bureau.Tel: 0 2225 7612-4.

The serene surroundings in
Phuttha Monthon

Biking in Phuttha Monthon Park, Bangkok

Not like the above two programmes arranged by the Bangkok Tourist Bureau, this is a do-it-yourself trip. For those who don't have much time or don't want to ride all day, this trip will be found perfect.
Phuttha Monthon was established to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the Buddhist era. It is the centre for all Buddhist people to do activities together on all important Buddhist days. Covering a well-arranged area of 2500 rai (4 sq km), the place features several interesting points. The outstanding item is the Walking Buddha which is not only the highest bronze Buddha image of Thailand, but also one of the most beautiful of its kind.

On the background is the Walking
Buddha, which is the principal
image of Phuttha Monthon.

Buildings constructed with magnificent architectural styles include an Indian-style Wihan Phuttha Monthon and the Palace of the Supreme Patriarch. In addition, there are four gardens representing symbols of the Buddha's Birth, Gaining Enlightenment, First Teaching and Entering Nirvana. Lush trees abundant here provide fresh air and create peaceful surroundings. Still, it is recommended to come biking here in the late afternoon when the sunshine is not too strong, so you can ride with full enjoyment.

Pedalling along the shady path
in Phuttha Monthon

Opening Hours: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Bike rental rates: about 30 baht/bike/hour
How to get there:
By car: From Bangkok, go along Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road until you see a sign to enter Phuttha Monthon IV Road. Turn left, go ahead for about one km. and you'll see Phuttha Monthon on your right.
By bus: Bus no.84ก and air-con bus no.539

Cultural Bicycle Tour at Ancient City, Samut Prakan Province

Ancient City or Muang Boran is the perfect reflection of different cultures from different periods of the Thai kingdom such as Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin. Riding a bicycle here is like travelling through the past to the present. Many constructions such as castles, ruins, temples and villages, were built on smaller scales. Some of them are real ones taken down to pieces and put together at the present site. In every corner you turn to, magnificent replicas appear to your eyes, boasting their glory. Moreover, some that no longer exist like the Sanphet Prasat Throne Hall of the Ayutthaya period, were established here in the same size as the original structure. On 11 February 1972, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit used this Throne Hall as the reception place for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Replica of Sanphet Prasat Throne Hall

It can be said that you can travel throughout Thailand within one day because the Ancient City's landscape was designed in accordance with that of Thailand. Numerous replicas of significant attractions from every region are assembled here. Those from the north include: Ho Kham of Lampang and Chedi Chet Yot of Chiang Mai. Those from the northeast: Phrathat Phanom of Nakhon Phanom province and Khao Phra Wihan Stone Castle of Si Sa Ket province.

Pedalling in "Ancient City"

Those from the central: Phra Prang Sam Yot of Lop Buri and Mondop of Wat Phra Phuttha Bat of Saraburi. In addition, a floating market with many food stalls is included in this section. It is open until early in the afternoon. There are also several food shops in other sections. So, no need to worry about what to do when you're hungry. From the south: Phra Borommathat Chaiya of Surat Thani.

Replica of Hokham, Lampang

Your joy will increase more and more as you ride from one replica to another (total 116 items). For a thorough roaming, it is advisable to kick off the trip before the mid- morning.

Replica of Khao Phra Wihan
Stone Castle, Si Sa Ket

Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Admission fees: Adult 50 baht
Child 25 baht
Private Car 100 baht (excluding chauffeur)
Special discount available for group tours
Bike rental rates: 50-200 baht/bike/day
(depending on the type of bicycle)
How to get there:
By car: Go along Samrong-Samut Prakan express way. At the Samut Prakan junction, turn left onto Old Sukhumwit Road (to Bang Pu). Drive ahead, at km 33, you'll see the Ancient City on your left.
By bus: Take air-con bus no.511, get off at the terminus (Pak Nam), then connect with a minibus no.36, which will pass the Ancient City's entrance.
For more information: Tel: 0 2744 0144-6

Choose one you are interested in most to taste another fun of travelling in Thailand. Then, you might want to try the rest. Who knows?

For the correct pronunciation of romanized Thai words, see
Romanization System of
the Thai Language .